Workers at the plant had been out on strike since October 27. A
tentative agreement was reached this morning and the ratification vote
held this afternoon.

The agreement resists concessions and extends a commitment on the life
of the plant for at least another year, said Jerry Dias, assistant to
the CAW president. "In addition, the company has agreed to a process
that will hopefully transition the plant from iron to stainless steel
production," Dias said.

CAW National Representative Jim Woods said there were a number of other
important gains, including an increase in the severance entitlement to
2.4 weeks per year of service for any permanent layoff.

CAW Local 504 President Dave Reston said the solidarity of the
bargaining committee and support of the membership was crucial in
achieving the tentative agreement.

"The activism of CAW area local unions as well as other unions and
community members in providing support to the picket line was critical
in maintaining the membership's spirits in Strathroy, as they walked in
bitter cold conditions many days," Reston said.

CAW Local 504 represents 65 workers at Wescast, which produces exhaust
manifolds for General Motors.